Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1887-08-11
AN OLD DIARY.
Poplar" Gives Some, Ex-
tracts From It.

SlOD, CuTOuSu d ScFleS VI dCClucAUoi
circumstances, part of the journal of
DIR. Ephraim Bateman, grandfather OF
the present DR.. Ephraim Bateman, of
Cedarville. 1t is believed that he kept
this journal from 1899 up to 1928, but,
unfortunately, all of it was burned ex-
cepting Vols. one, two and five, which
now have. Had they been preserved,
they would have made an interesting
and accurate history of the events
that transpired between those two
years. give you few extracts from
it, and should they prove interesting
to your readers, would be glad to give
more:
Fairfield, 1799.-This work was
written by Ephraim Bateman for his
own amusement and recreation.
This was begun June 1st, 1893.
'Monday, June 10th.-There were
II sail of vessel in the harbor of Bum
bridge-an unusual number.
'Friday, June 21st.-A negro man
by the name of --w was hanged in
Bridgeton for murder of another
negro. The spectators on this occa-
sion were computed to be something
more than 1900, myself being one of
the number. He was swung off about
10 minutes before o'clock p. IN. At
the gallows priests addressed the
auditory. viz: Methodist-Caleb Kin
die, Michael Swing, and -- Egbert,
Baptist-Mr. Smalley, Presbyterian -
Mr.. Ethan Osborne.
'June 27th.-A man by the name
of Smith was struck dead by lightning
at Maurice River.
July 1st.-Mr. James Clark's barn
was raised.
'4th of July passed over in Fairfield
with little or no notice. There was
considerable of a parade made at
Bridgeton.
'July 17th.-John Bateman, Jr.,
was married to Miss Arena Stethams,
by Mr.. Osborne. Walters - Harris
Brooks and Anne Westcott.
''On the Esd or gath of this month a
man by the name of James Smith, fell
from the masthead of a sloop in Cedar
Creek, was taken up alive, and is in a
fair way to recovery.
August 26, 1799-Arrived in Fairton
sloop with 3s passengers, which had
fled from the city of Philada. on ac-
count of the fever, among whom were
Mr.. B. Newcomb and Elijah Bowen
and family,
Sunday, September 15th.-Mr. Os-
borne is absent-gone to Maurice River
agreeable to an appointment by the
Presbytery. Amos Westcott read 2
sermons Meeting as usual.
Monday, 16th.-Review this day on
the Commons near the meeting house.
Quarreling and fighting at night.
Isaac Bacon and John Jaggers had a
severe battle, which was a witness to.
October Sth.-Election opened at
the Union School House, and closed
on the 9th at the School House at
Cedar Bridge. Fairfield gave in 222
votes.
October 15th.-General Review of
the whole regiment at David Pages
pleasant and warm day. l rode down
in Capt Bucks wagon.
'16th. review of Col. Nc
Caulleys Regiment at Roadstown. In
a sham engagement Capt. VIM. Rose
and Lieut.. VIM. Fithian, of the In
fantry, were wounded with powder
and wads."
October 90, 1899. This afternoon
was held at the Union School House,
an extraordinary Township meeting,
at which a vote was taken whether
the Township defend the Public
Wharf at Bumbridge or not. 1t was
carried almost unanimous in the
affirmative.
Goth. | took an oath of Allegiance
to the State on account of School
master.
Friday Evening, Nov. Is. Jonathan
Carton ran away from the place with
his family.
Dec 1st. Mr.. Buckly CARL preached
in lieu of Mr.. Osborne, from Matthew
Chap, 13 yer.
end. Isaac Mickle had his left
thumb shot off by the bursting of his
gun.
9th. Upwards of so people collected
and got about 20 cords of wood for Mr..
Osborne.
18th. Was married by Mr.. Osborne,
Henry Hustled to Miss Abigail Bishop
-Waiters-William Sheppard and
Nancy Bennett.
Departed this life Dec. 18th, of the Quin-
sey, General George Washington.
Christmas. Shooting match at E.
Nixens.